No Smoking Or Biting

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board recommends disbarment of an already-suspended attorney whose misconduct involved a series of criminal convictions for, among other  things.  alcohol-related driving offenses.

She defaulted on a number of charges of criminal conduct such as 

On or around September 27, 2014, the Respondent was arrested in Jefferson Parish for the crime of ENTRY/REMAINING AFTER FORBIDDEN, LA R.S. 14:63.3. Respondent remained at the Extended Stay America Hotel, 3300 S. 1-10 Service Road, Metairie, Louisiana, after being asked to leave by the staff. Respondent was asked to leave because she continued to smoke in a non-smoking room, and was requested several times to refrain from doing so. The charges were subsequently amended to JP20-102 LOUD NOISE. On September 17, 2015, the Respondent plead guilty to the amended charge…

On or around November 1, 2014, the Respondent was arrested by the Slidell Police Department on an outstanding warrant. On that day, the Slidell Police Department was contacted by a bail bondsman. Respondent was placed under arrest for two outstanding warrants (Warrants 49980 and 50053). While incarcerated pursuant to this arrest, Respondent became combative with correctional officers and suffered injuries. Respondent stated that she needed medical treatment and requested to go to the hospital. After arriving at the hospital, the Respondent made several attempts to leave her bed, ignoring the correctional officer’s commands to stay in the bed. When correctional officer Sciambia attempted to handcuff Respondent’s arm to the bed, she grabbed his arm and attempted to bite him on his left forearm. Thereafter, Respondent was booked for simple assault. On December 8, 2015, the Respondent pled guilty to SIMPLE ASSAULT.

The board did not propose permanent disbarment.

the Board declines to recommend permanent disbarment in this matter. Although there is no evidence of such in the record, Respondent’s misconduct in this matter appears to derive from significant personal issues (possible alcohol and drug abuse, and mental and/or emotional problems). Because of these potential causative issues, the Board is hesitant to permanently close the door on Respondent’s opportunity to regain her law license.

(MIke Frisch)